The United Kingdom-appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, stated in a press conference on Monday, February 23, 2026, that ‘’the areas where we are still working, in the context of COI, are the areas that relate to security and in particular, as you'll recall, one of the key recommendations from Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom was the vetting of the police, and the vetting of the prison immigration and customs services.’’ Photo: Facebook

While efforts are being made to advance the Commission of Inquiry (COI), progress has stalled because the vetting of key security personnel remains incomplete. As per the recommendations of the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (CoI), intensive vetting of customs, immigration, and prison officers is a priority to combat organised crime. Photo: Internet Source

As per the recommendations of the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (CoI), intensive vetting of customs, immigration, and prison officers is a priority to combat organised crime. 

'The areas where we are still working, in the context of COI, are the areas that relate to security'

The United Kingdom-appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, stated in a press conference on Monday, February 23, 2026, that "the areas where we are still working, in the context of CoI, are the areas that relate to security and in particular, as you'll recall, one of the key recommendations from Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom was the vetting of the police, and the vetting of the prison immigration and customs services."

Governor Pruce confirmed that the vetting process for police officers is still open, allowing them to submit their paperwork. He also confirmed that a vetting team has been established.

He referenced a case currently before the courts, brought by members of the Police Welfare Association, but clarified that "the CoI action directed to me, which is to complete the vetting of the police, obviously, we'll remain pending until we've got to that point."

Governor committed to vetting police force

However, Pruce emphasised his commitment to delivering a properly vetted police force. 

The Governor said officers of HM Prison, HM Customs and the Department of Immigration would be vetted "in a second phase", since the priority was on the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

He added, "They were at the point, I think, of putting in place those fundamental agreements between the different partners, to ensure that process can proceed and I'm optimistic that in the coming weeks, we'll be able to have those final agreements agreed so that we can then get the vetting of prison officers, immigration officers, and customs officers underway."